Hi,
I wanna get a hitch mount bike rack. However my car doesn't have a tow hitch. I am wondering if it is possible to install a tow hitch by myself? Or does it require a visit to the dealership? How do you get one of these anyways?

05-17-10, 12:01 PM

Bianchigirll

Hello I personally have never installed one but I have watched my brother install lots of them. most are model spefic and pretty much seem to boilt in with 4 or 6 bolts. if you normally work on your auto you should beable to install it yourself. wiring the lights can be tricky though but you don't really need those just for bikes.

05-17-10, 12:01 PM

Artkansas

I can't help you there, but you probably can get a kit.

But this being a bicycle forum, I instantly had the vision of someone trying to get a hitch for their bicycle to tow a car.

05-17-10, 01:27 PM

x136

Depends on your car. There are special units for lots of cars. A Google search will find something that will work for you if it exists.

I had to borrow use of a hydraulic lift and a powerful drill to drill the required holes in the framerails. And being a tiny car, it was tough to get that drill in where it needed to be. If you're lucky, the version for your car will attach to existing mounting points. :)

It should be noted that for a bike rack you do not need to worry about the wiring. Call U-haul, they specialize in trailer hitch installations and will let you know if a bolt-on kit exists for your vehicle. I was quoted ~$350 for my SUV which already had a "towing prep" package. Also, hitch mount bike racks tend to cost more than other options.

05-17-10, 06:15 PM

KZBrian

I just installed a hitch on our '06 Terraza last weekend. Remove three bolts, hold the hitch into position, install five bolts. No drilling.
I bought the hitch from etrailer.com. Harbor Freight has a ball mount that will let you tow a trailer and use a hitch mount bike rack at the same time.

05-18-10, 07:56 AM

Speedskater

Many cars have pre-punched holes in the frame. After-market hitches are available that line up with these holes. I installed one during the 2003 power outage. Two possible problems: 1) getting under the car safely. 2) Mine used odd sized metric nuts (18mm) which complicated the task.